COVID-19

WHAT IS COVID19?

COVID19 is the new respiratory disease causing an outbreak around the world and it is caused by a highly infectious and dangerous coronavirus.It is highly communicable, extensive and causes mild to extreme illness.The virus can be symptomatic or asymptomatic .COVID19 is short for “Coronavirus disease 2019.”

The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (about 6 feet) and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People are most contagious when they are the sickest. But those who don’t have a lot of symptoms can still pass the virus on to others.
There is currently no vaccine or cure for COVID19 but researchers are working to find one.

HOW TO PROTECT OURSELF AND OTHERS?

Washing Your Hands

Wet your hands with clean, running water.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together. Get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. Sing your favourite song while washing to gauge your timing.
No soap or water? Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Rub your hands together over all of your hands’ surfaces and fingers until your hands are dry.

Physical Distancing

Physical distancing means putting space between yourself and people outside your home to prevent the transmission of the disease.

Avoid physical contact with other people.
Stay at least 6 feet away from people when outside your house. This includes friends or loved ones. Same goes for other people’s pets.
Do not invite guests to your home.
Avoid groups and crowds.
In places where physical distancing might be difficult, like the grocery store or pharmacy, do your best to stay 6 feet away from others. Wear a cloth face covering.

Quarantining

If you think you might have been exposed to COVID19, quarantine yourself. The purpose of this practice is to separate yourself from others and restrict your movement while waiting to see if you become sick.

Stay home for 14 days after your suspected exposure.
Monitor your symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if symptoms develop.
Try to minimize contact with others, including household members and pets. Be particularly mindful of staying away from those who are high risk for getting very sick from COVID19.
Wash your hands frequently.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces

Commonly used surfaces should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

It’s always a good idea to routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, and sinks. But if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID19, be vigilant about doing this daily.
First, clean dirty surfaces with soap and water. Cleaning will remove dirt and lower the number of germs—but it will not kill germs.
Wear dedicated gloves for COVID19 related cleaning and disinfecting or use disposable gloves and discard them after each use.

Wearing a Cloth Face Covering

Using a cloth mask can protect yourself and others from germs and help slow the spread.

Wear your mask over your mouth and nose. Make sure it fits snugly but comfortably against the side of your face. It should have ear loops or tie in the back.
Wear your mask in public, especially in places where it’s hard to practice physical distancing, like grocery stores or pharmacies.
When you remove the mask, take it off carefully without touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Wash your hands immediately.
To sanitize your mask, routinely wash it in the washing machine in hot water.

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